Applying for Financial Aid

Applying for Title IV, State, and Institutional Financial Aid

Title IV aid is need-based aid (federal programs such as Pell Grants, SEOG, Work Study, Stafford Loans, and state programs such as TEOG and TPEG). Need-based programs require an analysis of the student's financial circumstances to determine need. The application process used by Cisco College to perform this need analysis is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can complete the FAFSA online by logging on to www.fafsa.gov . (When completing the FAFSA, please use the Cisco College school code 00355300.)

STEP 1: Before you start the FAFSA, create an FSA ID.

(Click on link to create one now)

Application Steps to Follow:

Complete and submit the FAFSA to the Department of Education

(You will need your 1040 income tax form if you filed and/or your parent's 1040 form(s) for the appropriate year to complete your FAFSA) If you need a copy of your tax return, call 1-800-829-1040 and request IRS tax transcript or go to the IRS website at www.irs.gov

Students are encouraged to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FASFA. This tool allows students and parents to access the IRS tax return information needed to complete the FASFA and transfer the data directly to their FASFA.

You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) or an email confirmation as a result of submitting the FAFSA.

Cisco College will begin a file on you once the Financial Aid Office has downloaded your information from the Department of Education.

The Cisco College Financial Aid Office will need additional information to verify your FAFSA information, we will request it in writing or by email.

Please be prompt in responding to any request for additional information and/or documents. You will not be asked to provide more than that which is required.

When all your paperwork is completed, returned, and verified, we will be able to determine the type and amount of financial aid for which you have qualified.

The amount of your Pell Grant will be based on your EFC (Expected Family Contribution). Detailed information regarding your Pell Grant can be found on your Campus Connect. Pell Grants are awarded on a Full time basis. Students enrolled in less than full time will receive a pro-rated award based on the hours enrolled.

Applying for Student Loans

Important information for students who use federal Stafford loans to finance their education:

Cisco College will begin processing loans through the Federal
Direct Loan Program beginning with the Fall 2010 school year. This
program will replace the current Federal Stafford Student Loan program.
Participating in the Federal Direct Loan Program will allow our current
and future students with more assurance that funding will be available
for federal education loans.

Here are some of the benefits that Cisco students will receive from this change:

The Direct Loan Program is funded directly by the Federal
government, thereby eliminating some of the confusion by offering a
single source and process for federal loans.

Direct loans are not sold by the Federal Government;
borrowers will know who holds their loan during repayment. In addition,
prior borrowers can consolidate Federal Stafford Loans with their Direct
Loans, enabling them to track their loans with one lender instead of
multiple lenders.

Direct Loan offers a Public Service Loan Forgiveness
program and an income-based repayment option for students in certain
public service professions or who have low incomes.

All students must complete a new Entrance Counseling and a new
Master Promissory Note (MPN) for the current school year along with a
loan request form for Cisco College. Loan request forms may be found on
the Cisco College web site under Financial Aid. Go to e-forms on line
and complete a loan request packet and submit to the Financial
Aid office.

If you have any questions regarding your Loan you may contact
the Financial Aid office for assistance at 254-442-5153 or 325-794-4417

To qualify for a student loan, a student must have documented financial need determined by the completion of the FAFSA. The student must be making satisfactory progress and enrolled in at least 6 hours. THE STUDENT ASSUMES THE OBLIGATION TO REPAY THE LOAN AND ACCRUED INTEREST beginning six months after ceasing at least half-time enrollment.